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A review by random_spider
Slay by Brittney Morris
3.5
This book was a SHOCK! Not that it was an unexpected delight (or vice versa), but because this has to be the most unhinged, uncompromising, and aggressive book about Black culture. It was sooooo sensitive about it (like IN YOUR FACE level, kinda) that it was straight up pandering to all Black people. It was to the point that it felt "exclusive" for readers outside its target market/audience (I was even questioning myself if I should read it.) But if that's what Brittney Morris was trying to achieve (which I'm confident was the case), she definitely succeeded.
So, what's the book about? The readers follow Kiera Johnson (aka Kix) taking on an online persona named Emerald in a online virtual game she created called Slay (though I have to say, the narrative didn't focused on the game itself.) The readers will witness how perturbed/troubled she was when a boy (a prominent player) was murdered, and the reason behind was connected to her creation. Soon, with her fragile relationships cracking and the News about her 'secret' passion project escalating out of control, her already stressed self has to deal with a racist intruder who threatened the existence of her game. The whole premise was lofty, but I believe it's execution was...meh.
Let's start with some positiveness. This book has to contain one of the higher intrinsic value in any of my novel collection (by being both a pro Black and a pro Gamer.) The world building of SLAY was interesting, with this eccentric cyberspace virtual world pulsating with vigor and colors (one that I would want to experience in real life.) I also appreciate the idea of a safe space it provided to its players. The game itself was some kind of a Battle Arena played with Battle Cards, infusing the player (or their opponent) with what abilities their cards provide. The action was consistently entertaining, and it gets better the more lively the reader's imagination is.
My favorite character from the book would probably be Steph (Kix's younger sister.) She's just energetic, full of character, and surprisingly more aware (compared to Kix.) Malcolm was another well-executed character. Many readers hated this guy....and yeah, I mean I get it since he's literally a walking Red Flag🚩. But he's written to be that way. To be detestable. To be aggressive. To be an ass-hole. He was made to be hated, and I've read other reviews which proved the point of his character (so please, don't deduct stars⭐ just because you hate him.) The villain had an effective motive, though it wasn't the first time I've encountered this type of antagonist. I also appreciate its themes about social life vs gaming/work life, and social prejudice. I'll end this part with the best quote within the novel (by Harper):
So, what's the book about? The readers follow Kiera Johnson (aka Kix) taking on an online persona named Emerald in a online virtual game she created called Slay (though I have to say, the narrative didn't focused on the game itself.) The readers will witness how perturbed/troubled she was when a boy (a prominent player) was murdered, and the reason behind was connected to her creation. Soon, with her fragile relationships cracking and the News about her 'secret' passion project escalating out of control, her already stressed self has to deal with a racist intruder who threatened the existence of her game. The whole premise was lofty, but I believe it's execution was...meh.
Let's start with some positiveness. This book has to contain one of the higher intrinsic value in any of my novel collection (by being both a pro Black and a pro Gamer.) The world building of SLAY was interesting, with this eccentric cyberspace virtual world pulsating with vigor and colors (one that I would want to experience in real life.) I also appreciate the idea of a safe space it provided to its players. The game itself was some kind of a Battle Arena played with Battle Cards, infusing the player (or their opponent) with what abilities their cards provide. The action was consistently entertaining, and it gets better the more lively the reader's imagination is.
My favorite character from the book would probably be Steph (Kix's younger sister.) She's just energetic, full of character, and surprisingly more aware (compared to Kix.) Malcolm was another well-executed character. Many readers hated this guy....and yeah, I mean I get it since he's literally a walking Red Flag🚩. But he's written to be that way. To be detestable. To be aggressive. To be an ass-hole. He was made to be hated, and I've read other reviews which proved the point of his character (so please, don't deduct stars⭐ just because you hate him.) The villain had an effective motive, though it wasn't the first time I've encountered this type of antagonist. I also appreciate its themes about social life vs gaming/work life, and social prejudice. I'll end this part with the best quote within the novel (by Harper):
"And I realize it was unfair of me to expect you to know. You shouldn't have to answer for all Black people, as if you all have the same opinion about it."
...And here we are now, at the negatives. Because the book was for a certain demographic (and was like written for them only), the general writing kinda rubbed me in wrong ways (though this was more of a personal experience.) But the book itself did have a fair share of problems. First and lightly, why was the book cover and its font color...pink? This was more of the designer's mistake since it was constantly stated that SLAY had a greenish lime (or close to it) font color. The pacing had problems as well. The book drags before its inciting incident, and the readers was also peppered with expositions that disrupts the narrative from flowing smoothly. What also disrupts was the occasional perspective switching to various characters physically away from Kiera. They're annoying, slows the plot, and were basically shoved in for the sake of "inclusion". Lastly, informations were stated yet unproven, leading to things just taken at face value.
But nothing compared to the displeasure I felt with a certain character. Who could have thought that the most problematic character of SLAY was Kiera Johnson herself. You've read me right! Kix was actually WORST!!! Unlike Malcolm, she wasn't even written with that intention, yet she came out with a prejudicial mindset to anything in regards on people's culture. She was also sooooo oblivious, incompetent, and was always thirsty of reassurance due to her own self-loathing. She's basically a blind, brooding b*tch with a subtle petulance.
This book was definitely a mix for me. I'm pretty sure my feelings about it will never settle, only fluctuating more upon further revisiting. It's a book about Black culture and safe places for oppressed individuals. It sheds light to their situations, and that's why SLAY deserved some merit. It was specialized yet imperfect. I'll give the novel a rating of 7/10.